Wedding Layers

I know anything goes but I like tradition and wonder what things I may need to consider as I plan my wedding.

Anyone with with insight, I would love the feedback

Wedding rings are one of the most recognized symbols of love and commitment from all over the world. Few things transcend the cultural barriers, such as “mama” for mother and a smile for a greeting. It’s amazing to see how one small circular band of precious metal can instantly say so much. Funny isn’t it, that the wedding can cost thousands and the slim gold or platinum band is a few hundred, yet lasts far longer than the day itself, and is worn day after day, 24/7. A small hunk of metal divides the available and the unavailable at the glimpse of an eye.

Which Hand for Wedding Rings?

The hand that wedding rings are worn on varies from country to country and culture to culture. By default, most people wear their wedding rings on the left hand.

Countries such as Colombia, Germany, Greece, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine and Venezuela traditionally wear their wedding rings on the right hand.There are also certain cultures and religious beliefs such as Orthodox Christians and Eastern Europeans who typically wear the wedding rings on the right hand. And in Greece, since many are Orthodox Christians, they also wear their wedding ring on the right hand. Jewish women will often wear their wedding bands on the right hand during ceremony, and change their wedding rings to the left hand after the ceremony.In the Netherlands, catholic people wear their wedding rings on the left, all others on the right, but in Austria, Catholic people wear the wedding bands on the right. What are Vietnamese wedding traditions? With the majority of Vietnamese weddings now being Catholic, Catholic Vietnamese families are known to exchange wedding bands at a separate church ceremony. Modern Vietnamese weddings, due to Western influence, exchange wedding bands between the bride and groom, but still include giving jewelry to the bride. For other countries, it depends on region of the country, such as Belgium.In parts of India – a toe-rings “Bichiya” are worn instead of wedding rings on a finger – and increasingly worn along with finger wedding bands. An Iron Bangle or “loha” is worn by women in eastern parts of India, such as West Bengal. Other customs, perhaps more modern, include either partner wearing the others’ wedding rings on a chain around the neck instead of the ring finger as more of a social statement of being married.

Materials of the Wedding Ring

Metal, because if it’s durability is the most common material of wedding rings, and the metal of choice, in order of popularity is: gold, platinum, titanium, tungsten, nickel silver, and stainless steel. History mentions rings of long ago were also made of hemp, wood, bone … and if you remember the old TV show Happy Days – a lifesaver candy. The metal ring often set with diamonds or other precious stones or gems.

Style of the Wedding Ring

In French speaking countries, especially France, wedding rings often consisted of 3 interwoven rings – representing the virtues of faith, hope and love.

Russian wedding bands typically consisted of 3 interlocking bands – gold, white gold and rose. Greek & Anatolian (Turkey) wore puzzle rings, which are sets of interlocking metal bands that arrange in a specific order to form a single ring. If the spouse came home and found the ring in a different arrangement, then it may have questioned the fidelity of the other. Celtic wedding rings are often engraved or embossed with a Celtic knot design to symbolize oneness and continuity. This “Claddagh” design symbolizes fidelity.For North America, typically two rings are worn on the same finger – an engagement ring, and a plain wedding band. After first anniversary or child, a gift of an eternity ring is given, typically a three ring combination. This tradition is especially observed in the UK. In whatever culture, we exchange rings as a vow of everlasting love and commitment to our partner, to stay true to one another, and to walk down life’s journey together to experience the new and exciting facets of companionship and physical union.

Stephan Bevan is an article writer for http://www.budgetdiamondsonline.com , the Toronto Diamond Dealer where you can order stunning gold and platinum wedding rings!

Author: Stephan M Bevan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets

Here in the west, we have certain customs regarding the exchange of wedding rings that seem perfectly normal to us: a double ring exchange where the groom puts the ring on his bride’s hand followed by the bride doing the same for the groom. Types of rings used are typically gold, with the woman’s ring often encrusted in diamonds.

Changing Customs and Lasting Traditions

Elsewhere, the way that rings are exchanged, the types of rings used, and certain other formalities are acceptable, customs which are often brought with them when families emigrate abroad. Is there a right way to give and exchange wedding bands? Yes: in whatever way you feel is right! Customs are changing, but one thing remains the same: couples are sealing their marriage vows with an exchange of rings no matter where they live in the world.

The rings given – Without a doubt, gold is the metal of choice for brides and grooms when they marry no matter where in the world that they live. Platinum is an also prized, but often too expensive for couple living in emerging nations, while silver is favored by some who appreciate its look and value. Diamonds and less popularly, other gemstones are often included, particularly for the woman’s ring. Some men are coming around and accepting diamonds on their own rings, but in most cases men prefer a wedding ring that is understated and won’t get in the way of their work.

The way that they are presented – Ring bearers are sometimes included in wedding ceremonies to present the wedding bands to the bride and the groom. In other cases, the best man will hold the rings and present them at the appropriate time during the wedding ceremony.

In some European countries, the bride’s wedding band is the same ring given for engagement – the only difference is that a special engraving is made (usually with the wedding date and sometimes the names of the couple inscribed). Which hand the ring ends up on can vary from country to country and from religious faith to religious faith; these days most modern brides simply choose the most favorable way to display their wedding bands that appeals to them alone.

The meaning of the rings – In all cases, the exchange of wedding bands symbolizes the couple’s fidelity to each other. For the devout, wedding bands represent that plus their relationship to God whom they see as the central part (foundation) of the relationship.

Some women prefer to wear their wedding rings on the bottom of their finger with the engagement ring first, while for others just the opposite holds true. The “closer to the heart” meaning is important to some, while the convenience of easily removing the engagement ring while at work or doing chores is important to others.

One, Two, or Three or More Rings?

In time’s past, only one ring would be given and that ring would be from the man to the woman when they got married or were first engaged. A different economic climate limited the options of yesteryear’s couples, but in many cases those restrictions are no longer in place.

Today, couples from around the world are enjoying an economic tide that is raising the financial prospects of billions of people, allowing the man to give an engagement ring, the couple to exchange rings at their wedding ceremony, and the couple once again exchanging eternity or anniversary rings later on in their marriage.

Whichever way that you choose to demonstrate your love, quality engagement, wedding, and anniversary rings are bands that are meant to stand the test of time, symbolic representatives of your relationship.

Bryan Peter offers you helpful tips on Diamond Engagement Rings Platinum engagement rings, loose diamonds and specializes in giving latest diamond education. Our company is a leading diamond and jewelry store offering all unique products. For more tips on buying engagement rings and jewelry and please visit Diamond Earrings or contact author at: brayan.peter@gmail.com

Author: Brayan Peter
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You’ve just gotten married, it was the happiest day of your life, but you’re definitely glad all that stress is over – well almost. You still have wedding thank you cards. Just as many other wedding traditions have stayed intact despite advances in technology (email wedding invitations – no thank you!), it’s still considered proper etiquette to mail wedding thank you cards after the big day. But what are the rules? Read on for more common etiquette and advice on sending out wedding thank you cards.

It is socially acceptable to send wedding thank you cards as long as three months after the wedding, but why would you want to put it off for that long? It’s not going to get any easier waiting till the last minute. Ideally, wedding thank you cards should be sent out within two weeks of coming back from your honeymoon (unless you’ve postponed your honeymoon, then it would be two weeks after your wedding). In addition, a wedding thank you card should be sent immediately for any gifts received before the wedding.

Many wedding invitation packages come with wedding thank you cards that complement the wedding invitations and save the date cards you have already sent, however in no case should you ever use a pre-printed wedding thank you card! (“Thank you” already printed on the front is fine.) Your guests took the time to pick out a present, wrap it and ship it; the least you can do is write a few words of thanks. (It is OK to have your return address pre-printed, but the gift givers address should always be handwritten.)

If your wedding invitations didn’t come with wedding gift thank you cards, a simple, classic thank you card is always good. Another good idea is wedding photo thank you cards. Just upload one of your favorite photos from your wedding, then all your guests get a special memory from your wedding as well as a thank you! (Just remember you still need to send out wedding gift thank you cards before the wedding.)

A great way to make sure you send a wedding thank you card as soon as you receive a wedding gift is to keep a stack on the counter, by the door, or wherever you know they will be visible and stay at the top of your mind. Keep a few envelopes already stamped with your address label on it or your address already written out. This makes it a lot easier to jot out a quick note and drop it in the mail ASAP.

A short and simple note that is to the point is all you need to write. Unlike the prim and proper wedding invitations you have already sent out, you can use the gift givers’ first names. Try writing something personal about the gift, maybe where you will put it, or how it will be used, and mention how great it was to see the gift givers at the wedding (if it was sent prior to your wedding day, tell them you look forward to seeing them there).

You can always add in some personal touches. If the gift givers traveled a significant distance to attend your wedding, mention how much you appreciate it, or if they were unable to attend, let them know they were missed. If you are thanking someone for a monetary gift, it is not necessary to mention how much was given, but it’s nice to let the givers know what you will be doing with the money (don’t say paying off your enormous wedding).

Even the simplest note inside your wedding thank you card will go a long way in showing your thanks. It doesn’t need to be flawless – a less than perfect note that truly shows some heartfelt thanks will always be appreciated.

By keeping up with gifts that arrive before the wedding, and writing just three or four wedding thank you cards every day after the wedding or honeymoon, you will be done in no time!

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Author: Sarah Simmons
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets

In the wedding market there is a trend that is leaving behind wedding traditions and going places
where weddings have never gone before. You can see dress styles changing faster than a super
model can fit into an elegant gown. Cakes are cutting loose, and brides are abandoning tradition
for the new and contemporary looks.

Wedding rings are no exception, and although most wedding rings were made of gold, according
to tradition, now wedding rings are getting a new look. Instead of the traditional gold wedding
rings, there are now more and more couples that are going platinum with their wedding ring
choices. There are various reasons that new brides and grooms are choosing platinum wedding
rings.

Simple Elegance

One reason that many couples are deciding to go with platinum wedding rings is because of their
modern, chic look that speak of simple elegance. These rings have a great sparkle to them and
they stay looking great for many years, as well. Platinum is a great choice in wedding rings
because it can easily withstand daily tasks like cleaning the house, being in water, and even some
of the more rough, rigorous jobs that men deal with. If you are marrying a man that does heavy
labor with his hands, platinum is a great choice.

Another reasons that many people choose platinum wedding rings is to avoid allergies. Some
people have allergies to metals such as gold and silver and may not be able to wear rings
containing those metals, but platinum rarely causes any allergic reaction in humans. If you want
to avoid having allergy problems with your wedding rings, then, once again, platinum is the best
choice.

Go in Style

While you may think that platinum wedding rings only come in a few styles, this is not true.
There are many different styles of platinum wedding rings that you can choose from. Whether
you are looking for wedding rings that are simple and elegant, or something that is a bit more
elaborate, more than likely, you can find what you want in a platinum ring.

Many women especially like platinum wedding rings because they look so wonderful with
diamonds. You can choose to have diamonds set in your wedding rings or you can just use them
to look great alongside your engagement ring. Either way hey make an excellent choice, and the
color of this metal plays up the beauty of a diamond. The only downside to buying platinum
wedding rings with diamonds is that they can be expensive, but when you consider that you will
be wearing these rings for your entire life, the price just may be worth it.

If you are getting married in the new future, you should consider platinum wedding rings for your
big day. They are the newest trend in wedding rings, and they provide a look that is elegant and
timeless. Platinum is a metal that will never go out of style, so make a great choice and choose
platinum wedding rings for you and your groom.

Get the latest in wedding rings know how from the only true source at http://www.weddingknack.com Check out our wedding rings pages.

Author: Michelle Davis
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Latest trends in mobile phone

Many different countries and cultures use wedding rings as a part of their wedding ceremony. This article looks at some of the traditions around the World.

Wedding ceremonies vary from country to country, however, many places use wedding rings as part of the marriage ceremony. Here we will look at some of the wedding traditions from several countries.

The finger on which the wedding ring is worn varies depending on the country’s traditions

The finger on which the wedding ring is worn varies from country to country, some placing the ring on the right ring finger and others placing the ring on the left ring finger. In some countries the hand on which the ring is worn can change before and after the ceremony. For example in Greece, the couple wear the ring on the left hand until after the wedding ceremony when they are transferred to the right hand. In some European countries, the engagement ring also serves as the wedding ring and it is engraved after the wedding. Some people choose to wear the engagement ring on the right hand ring finger and the wedding ring on the left hand ring finger. This can help to prevent damage to the rings caused by them rubbing together.

The Romans considered the wedding ring to be the last in a series of gifts

The Romans believed in giving a series of gifts to the bride-to-be, and the final gift of the series was the wedding ring. The engagement ring could also be one of the series of gifts.

Some recently-introduced traditions include the trilogy ring, the eternity ring and the pre-engagement ring

The trilogy ring usually consists of three separate diamonds which symbolize the couple’s past, present and future. The eternity ring symbolizes a long marriage, and the pre-engagement ring is sometimes given when a relationship becomes more serious.

In Britain, the ‘Best Man’ is responsible for looking after the wedding rings during the ceremony

The Best Man’s task during the wedding ceremony is to look after the bride and groom’s wedding rings until the part of the ceremony where the rings are exchanged. Some weddings will have a ring bearer who carries the rings on a cushion.

It is interesting to see that despite some small differences in how they are worn or exchanged in the wedding ceremony, that many countries use rings as part of the wedding ceremony. We may have more in common with people from other countries than we realise.

Author: Sarah Carter
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty